Causes of Varicose Veins – Encino Vascular

Normally, there is a one-way valve in the veins that carries blood from the lower extremities to the heart.
These one-way valves allow the blood to flow from the lower extremities up to the heart and prevent the blood from flowing back down to the leg.
If these valves are damaged, blood flows back to the legs and pools in the leg. This condition is called venous reflux disease. The buildup of blood in the leg can increase venous pressure and cause large varicose veins. As the varicose veins become larger, they can bulge from the skin into worm-like structures underneath the skin.
Varicose vein symptoms include:
Pain
Cramping
Restless leg syndrome
Pins and needles
Charley horses
Diagnosis of Varicose Veins
This includes a detailed history and physical examination of the legs, an ultrasound examination to evaluate the venous anatomy of the legs, and a reflux study that can be done in the office.
Treatment of Varicose Veins
Varicose vein treatment starts with lifestyle changes, which should include not standing for prolonged periods of time, wearing compression stockings, and moderate physical activity including walking.
If the symptoms continue despite noninvasive therapy and there is evidence of reflux in the veins, then the treatment would include ablation of the vein.
Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation
Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation is an ambulatory procedure that can be done in the office. This procedure is done under local anesthesia and takes about 15 minutes. Patients are able to walk out of the office and can go back to work the next day. Ablation of the saphenous vein can be done through various mechanisms such as laser or radiofrequency or injection of sclerosing agents into the vein. Regardless of which method is used, once the saphenous vein is ablated, there is less pressure on the varicose veins, diminishing symptoms such as pain and cramping.
After ablation of the saphenous vein, varicosities would diminish in size and prominence as well.
Subsequently, if the large varicose veins still persist, they can be removed by various noninvasive procedures called microphlebectomy.
Varicose Veins Surgery Microphlebectomy
Microphlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that can be done in the office. During this varicose veins surgery procedure, tiny 2 mm incisions are made over the varicose vein which is then physically removed. This procedure is also done in the office and the patients can go back to work soon after the procedure.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy: small reticular and spider veins can be treated with sclerotherapy. During this varicose veins surgery procedure, a sclero agent is injected into the vein that will help reduce the color of the veins.
Vein Stripping
Vein stripping is also a procedure to remove the saphenous vein. This is an older procedure which is more invasive and, in general, not used anymore.
If varicose veins are not treated, they may cause more pain, fatigue, swelling of the legs and the ankles, and restless leg syndrome. If not treated, varicose veins can also cause more serious complications such as:
Bleeding from the varicose veins
Deep venous thrombosis
Inflammation of the vein caused by superficial thrombophlebitis
Venous ulcerations
Hardening of the skin and the fat called lipoma dermal sclerosis
Discoloration of the skin especially at the ankle caused by hyperpigmentation.
For more information visit encinovascular.com. Located at 23823 Valencia Blvd Ste 150 Valencia, CA 91355. To schedule an appointment please call 661 799 7444